Therapy Bits

The Henderson family reunion was going perfectly fine until they reached Grandma Dot’s house.

There were forty-two Hendersons in total, spanning five generations — from baby Ellie (who communicated exclusively in raspberries) to Great-Grandpa Ted (who communicated exclusively in naps). They’d come from all over to visit Grandma Dot’s “charming little cottage in the country.”

When they arrived, they discovered that “charming” was code for “barely larger than a garden shed.”

The house looked like it had been built by someone who’d misread the blueprint for a doghouse and just kept going. The entire family stood outside, packed together like a very polite mob, staring in silence.

Uncle Rick finally spoke.
“Is this… the guest house?”

Grandma Dot, beaming from the porch (which could fit exactly one grandmother), said, “No, dear! It’s cozy!”

Cousin Mandy whispered, “Cozy is realtor-speak for ‘good luck turning around.’”

They tried to enter in shifts. The first wave — Grandma Dot, Grandpa Ted (asleep), and Aunt Linda — filled the living room instantly. The second wave — two teenagers and a dog — meant someone had to stand in the bathtub. The third wave never made it past the doormat.

“Dot,” said Uncle Rick, “I think your house just hit capacity at seven people and a sandwich.”

The dog barked, bumping the thermostat, which fell off the wall. The baby sneezed, which startled Grandpa Ted awake. He stood up suddenly, knocking his head on the low ceiling.
“Good heavens,” he muttered. “We in a birdhouse?”

After ten minutes of trying to coordinate who could stand where, Cousin Paul suggested, “What if we just… stay outside?”

And so, the Henderson reunion took place entirely in the yard: lawn chairs lined up, picnic tables overflowing, everyone taking turns to peek into the world’s tiniest house to use the world’s tiniest bathroom.

By evening, Grandma Dot stood proudly on her porch (well, her porch-step) and announced,
“See? Plenty of room for family!”

Everyone cheered — mostly because they’d survived.

Then Cousin Mandy whispered to Uncle Rick,
“Next year, we’re booking a hotel.”

He nodded.
“With at least four bathrooms and one actual living room.”

Written for simply six minutes, hosted by Christine,.

Simply 6 Minutes – Welcome to the Challenge: 10/21/2025 – Stine Writing